A blank canvas turned into an explosion of vivid colours in a variety of different patterns – some with hidden sketches and others beautifully constructed to illicit emotion from those gazing upon them. This is one of many ways to describe local artist Alfred Wessels’ work.
Alfred debuted his latest pieces at Alice Art Gallery’s Art in the Garden in Ruimsig, where years before Alice bought and sold some of his paintings of flowers, more specifically his calla lilies.
“I have been painting for over 20 years and although there are many different things that influence my art, I’d say the biggest would be the Lord. This is also the reason why I sign all of my artwork with the acronym FROG – Forever Rely On God,” Alfred elaborated, adding that he also tries to incorporate the word Jesus in all of his work.
Speaking about his latest pieces, Alfred explained how he loves to colour and how each one compliments the other.
“My interest in art and painting started when I was young, I drew a lot. I took art classes from my pastor and when he moved away, I continued by myself.”
He explained that his wife encouraged him to continue painting, as she was also a painter and created abstract artwork.
“When she put her brush down, I picked mine up,” he added.
Alfred has been married to Marietjie for 30 years and has two sons and a daughter. “We have been living in Noordheuwel for 12 years, before that we stayed in Discovery,” he explained.
When Alfred isn’t painting, he’s out and about as an insurance building contractor.
“My wife used to scold me, as I jokingly told people I’m a painter [that paints houses],” he chuckled, as he elaborated that he never had the opportunity to study at a tertiary institute.
“I was recruited into the army right out of high school and after that, I worked at a local bank in the money market, thereafter at a different bank as a home loan auditor.”
To chat with Alfred, or view his art, keep an eye out for the next Art in the Garden event at Alice Art Gallery, where he will be showcasing some of his work.
